“At this point, though it’s convenient to think about regionals as we face the same opponent (Schaumburg), we are completely focused on finishing out the league the strongest that we can one game at a time,” he said.

That approach has worked wonders of late.

The Grenadiers have a 4-0-2 record since April 13, including a 2-1 win over fellow Mid-Suburban League East Division title contender Buffalo Grove on April 28.

“The whole team (gets credit) for their belief and commitment to each other,” Burrier Sanchis said. “We had a tough schedule to open the month (facing MSL table leaders Barrington and Conant) and we may get overlooked for that reason, but we never lost faith in each other and where we could reach together.”

Team chemistry and strength all over the field have been the main ingredients for success.

“Our girls are playing for each other, and it shows in the ways we are willing to fight and work hard for one another,” Burrier Sanchis said. “Our attacking unit has been working really hard and is really implementing well the tactics and style of play we want. And our defense has shown their experience and willingness to work hard all 80 and many times 100 minutes in tough games.”

Schaumburg enters the game on a three-game losing streak that include a 2-1 defeat to Buffalo Grove April 25. After winning its first two games of the season and scoring a big victory against Naperville Central that evened the Saxons' record at 3-3-0, injuries have become a major challenge.

“We lost our leading scorer Dana Kiszkowski to a season ending ACL injury,” Saxons coach Greg Charvat said, “and have also sustained other injuries that have really challenged our depth as a team.

“Our focus for the rest of the season will be for our team to adapt to new formations as we try to move players around on the field to highlight our strengths more effectively.”

Elk Grove is the focus of that preparation both Wednesday and in the mid-May regional rematch.

“Elk Grove is having a very good season and is playing very good soccer right now,” Charvat said. “They are extremely dangerous, especially offensively.

“It is very important that we slow down their dynamic players, (Zoe) Blomquist and (Amanda) Sitkowski, while trying to break down their tough defense. It is important that we are creating chances offensively by quickly changing the field and connecting passes. And when in the box, we need to capitalize on our chances.”

For Elk Grove, scoring on the Saxons could be the big challenge.

“Schaumburg has clearly shown they have a tough defensive unit,” Burrier Sanchis said. “Their ability to limit opportunities for their opponents is really impressive, as is the speed of their attack.”

The Grenadiers are right back in action Thursday with a weather-postponed makeup game against Wheeling. Elk Grove hopes Wednesday’s kickoff to May play continues its late April surge.

“We want to continue playing with heart and working hard to create chances,” Burrier Sanchis said. “The resilient spirit of our team has been coming through very clearly throughout the season. We want to continue that spirit and willingness to work hard.”